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+--- Thread: new cpap user - Best Machine/Software? (/Thread-new-cpap-user-Best-Machine-Software)
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new cpap user - Best Machine/Software? - gnconway73 - 03-30-2013
Hello,
I am a newbie to the cpap world, I have suffered with sleep apnea
for about 10 years and have only recently done something about it.
I had a sleep study done and had an AHI of 103. now with my machine set at 6.0cm my AHI is down to 3 ! my question is, what is
the absolute best machine/software to get? and if i bump my
pressure up to 6.5cm would this get my AHI even lower?
regards,
Geoff
RE: new cpap user - trish6hundred - 03-30-2013
Hi gnconway73,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It's good that you finally started treating your sleep apnea.
Hang in there for answers to your question and best of luck to you.
RE: new cpap user - PollCat - 03-31-2013
Let's face it, Geoff, all CPAP machines do what they were designed to do. I've not mined the machine data for our membership yet, but I suspect the majority of users have either some kind of a ResMed S9 or the machine you are currently using. The biggest difference between the two is price, with the ResMed being almost twice the price of the PR (I know this from personal experience with trying to find the right machine in Feb 2011).
As for pressure settings, 6 seems very low for an AHI of 103. If you are going to adjust your pressure settings upwards, do it in small increments until your AHI is in the 0.1 to 1.0. The lower the AHI, the better!
RE: new cpap user - Shastzi - 03-31-2013
Doesn't the PRS1 work with SleepyHead?
This would be a good time to begin monitoring.
RE: new cpap user - PaulaO2 - 03-31-2013
Actually, the pressure has little to do with the initial pre-CPAP AHI. You would think that a high AHI would require a way high pressure but that's not the case. It comes down to how much pressure is needed to keep the throat open. An AHI of 103 on a patient with lots of throat muscle and fat and laying on your back would need a high pressure. But a skinny side sleeper with the same AHI would need less.
Leave your pressure alone.
How long have you been using it?
You want the AHI to be less than 5 so you're doing good. Getting it lower will not automatically mean better sleep.
As for software, it depends on which model your PRS1 is. If it is an x60, you can use SleepyHead but will need the patch. Follow these instructions:
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-SleepyHead-Software-Download-Link-free-open-source-software
RE: new cpap user - gnconway73 - 03-31-2013
awesome!
thanks for the info I have downloaded the sleepyhead software and intend to use it!
RE: new cpap user - PaulaO2 - 03-31-2013
Good!
When you look at the data, the AHI is but one part of the whole picture.
How long do the events last?
What is the flow rate?
What is the leak rate?
How do you feel?
Do you get sleepy during the day?
No two nights are the same so it takes a while to notice trends.
RE: new cpap user - tiantian - 04-17-2013
I am new to cpap therapy - 2 months and just had a follow-up sleep study. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all I need to learn. Help!
My AHI was 150 at the start of therapy; went right down to below 2 every night with a pressure of 7. After my follow-up, the tech changed my pressure to 13 but my machine, after just one night, is saying 7.2 for pressure; does it change incrementally?? Is there an error somewhere?
I have so many questions -- I need to start somewhere; glad to know there are experienced users out there. Thanks in advance.
Tiantian
RE: new cpap user - zonk - 04-17-2013
(04-17-2013, 08:23 PM)tiantian Wrote: After my follow-up, the tech changed my pressure to 13 but my machine, after just one night, is saying 7.2 for pressure; does it change incrementally?? Is there an error somewhere?Hi tiantian
Your machine S9 Elite is fixed pressure machine. Pressure does not change, stay constant all night except if set to start at lower pressure during Ramp .. in that case pressure climb gradually to set pressure over Ramp set period
The manual for your S9 Elite is available via email, scroll down to section three to ask for the manual
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pressure/change-cpap-pressure-settings-adjusting-your-machine-with-a-clinician-setup-manual
Here is S9 setup to check the settings http://www.apneaboard.com/resmed-s9-cpap-setup
RE: new cpap user - Sleepster - 04-17-2013
(04-17-2013, 08:23 PM)tiantian Wrote: I am new to cpap therapy - 2 months and just had a follow-up sleep study. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all I need to learn. Help!
Well, first of all, welcome to the forum. There's a lot to learn but you don't have to learn it all at once.
Why did you have a follow-up study after only two months?
Quote:My AHI was 150 at the start of therapy; went right down to below 2 every night with a pressure of 7. After my follow-up, the tech changed my pressure to 13 but my machine, after just one night, is saying 7.2 for pressure; does it change incrementally?? Is there an error somewhere?
It sounds to me like you misunderstood the tech. You might want to call them up and ask what pressure your machine is supposed to be set at. It would be unusual to need a change from 7 to 13 after only two months, but it's also unusual to have a follow-up study done after only two months.